The United States yesterday conducted a successful extended-range test of its nuclear-capable Minuteman 3 ICBM, the Associated Press reported (see GSN, Feb. 8, 2007).
After lifting off just after 3 a.m., the unarmed missile flew roughly 5,250 miles and struck its target off of Guam in the southern Pacific Ocean, according to 2nd Lt. Raymond Geoffroy. The exercise confirmed that the Minuteman system is reliable and accurate, Geoffroy said.
Outfitted with testing apparatus provided by the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration, the missile flew about 1,000 miles farther than it would in a standard test.
"The longer flight path is part of our testing procedures," said Capt. Jason Yeates, the mission's launch director. "Every three years we test the extended range of the missile" (Associated Press/International Herald Tribune, May 22).